Free class to prepare for paid apprenticeships in skilled trades

HOUSTON - How about getting paid to learn skills for a high-demand job? That's the opportunity the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council is offering.

We caught up with some apprentices who were inspired to pursue it by seeing our story on the program last year.

A free class to prepare candidates for paid apprenticeships in skilled trades is being offered by the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council. The class helps prepare them for high-paying and in-demand jobs that don't require a college education.

Apprentices saw the story on FOX 26

"I saw your news article, and I was interested," said Eloy Zamudio, an electrical apprentice.  

Zamudio says he jumped when he saw our story last year about the three-week Apprenticeship Readiness Program.

"What you said about how the older generation is going to retire, and that need for new blood, is what I interpreted it as, to fill their shoes. To be a part of society and be something greater than what you are," Zamudio told us.

SUGGESTED: Houston offers free prep classes for high-paying construction apprenticeships

He's now a paid apprentice with benefits, learning to become an electrician.

From welding to pipefitting to construction, skilled trades workers are highly paid jobs and in-demand, as construction projects are plentiful and Boomers in the field are retiring.  

"Whether it’s in commercial or industrial facilities, there is a huge demand for that workforce because we have a retirement age and we’re always constantly having to fill that workforce," explained Paul Puente, Executive Secretary of the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council.

What we know:

The free, three-week Apprenticeship Readiness Program prepares candidates for paid apprenticeships in a variety of skilled trades. The five-year apprenticeships start at $15 to $25 an hour, with health and pension benefits, and yearly pay raises.  

Jamairi Jaiminez also saw our story last year, and is now a paid apprentice in plumbing.

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"This a great career. You can learn stuff like this and even more. This is just my starter right now," said Jaiminez.

A starter for a bright new future.

"I do want to become a Master Electrician. That was something that was presented to me in the Apprenticeship Readiness Program, and that’s like my goal," said Zamudio.  

What you can do:

The Council is accepting applications now. Candidates can call (832) 429-1944 or apply online for the Apprenticeship Readiness Program.